Lori Nolen who has served as The Dixie Carter Performing Arts & Academic Enrichment Center’s Executive Director for the last 11 years has resigned. Her last day was July 30.
The letter of resignation from Nolen to Mayor Dale Kelley was included in the agenda items for the Tuesday night Huntingdon Town Council meeting.
The mayor praised Nolen for her years as executive director at The Dixie and in making the entertainment venue successful in attracting acts and audiences.
“Lori has been a tremendous asset to the town and community while serving in this position,” said Kelley. “The Dixie has flourished under her leadership as it become a premier venue in serving West Tennessee.”
She was currently working part time at The Dixie that has not had any public events since the coronavirus pandemic began in March.
“With great deliberation, I realize that the time for me to move on from The Dixie has come,” said Nolen. “Serving in this position has been one of the most unexpected, yet fulfilling endeavors in my career. Thank you for seeing my potential in this position, allowing me freedom to create opportunities and build upon the established success of this anchor within the Huntingdon community. You not only allowed me to lead a performing arts center, but you also helped me understand what the role of community development means.”
She says she has been so very blessed to work with such amazing people over the years.
“My children are 9 and 5 years old now, and the time has come to pull back from my schedule and be available more,” she said. “My marketing venture that began almost two years ago, now allows for a much more flexible schedule and the timing is right.”
Huntingdon will continue to be her home and she will continue to serve as a county commissioner and be involved through various committees within the community.
She also mentioned that working with the mayor and the other departments within the town of Huntingdon over years has been such an amazing experience and great time of personal growth.
“I have been blessed to be a part of a group of people, who so often work behind the scenes to further the vitality of a community,” she said. “The incredibly talented staff of The Dixie are some of the most capable people in the entertainment business. I was blessed to have this group not only my team, but as my family.”
She says she stands ready to offer her help with the transition of her position, lending insight and assistance when needed.
An ad is in the week’s newspaper seeking applicants for the position.
